Echocardiography (Echo & TEE)

Safe, painless ultrasound imaging that shows your heart's structure and function in real time.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram uses harmless sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart — its chambers, valves, and pumping strength. A standard transthoracic echo (TTE) is performed from the surface of the chest. A transesophageal echo (TEE) uses a small probe in the esophagus for a closer, more detailed view, and a stress echo images the heart before and after exertion.

Why it's done

Echo helps evaluate heart murmurs, valve disease, heart failure, the effects of high blood pressure, congenital heart conditions, and the heart's overall function. Because it uses no radiation and requires no recovery, it is one of the most useful and frequently ordered tests in cardiology.

How to prepare

A standard echo needs no special preparation — eat, drink, and take your medications as usual. For a TEE, you'll be asked not to eat or drink for several hours beforehand and to arrange a ride home because of the sedation.

What to expect during the test

For a standard echo, you'll lie on your side while a technician moves a small probe with warm gel across your chest, capturing images for about 30–45 minutes. It's painless. A TEE involves numbing the throat and light sedation while the probe is passed to obtain the detailed views.

Getting your results

Dr. Dairywala reviews the images and discusses the findings with you, along with any next steps. Because echo shows both structure and function, it often provides the answers needed to guide treatment without any further testing.

Is it safe?

Yes. Ultrasound imaging is completely safe, uses no radiation, and has no known risks. A TEE carries only the minor risks associated with light sedation and a numbed throat, which we review with you in advance.

Insurance & scheduling

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare. When a test or treatment is medically necessary, it is typically covered — our team verifies your benefits and explains any out-of-pocket costs before you begin. Request an appointment through our contact page or call (281) 807-5253.

Cardiology & vein care for Tomball & Cypress

Northwest Cardiovascular Clinic is located just off SH 249 (Tomball Parkway) in northwest Houston, serving patients throughout Tomball, Cypress, Spring, and the greater Houston area. Dr. Ismail Dairywala, MD, FACC brings over two decades of cardiovascular experience to every visit. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Does an echocardiogram hurt?

No. A standard echo is completely painless — a technician moves a small probe with warm gel across your chest. There are no needles and no radiation.

How long does an echocardiogram take?

A standard transthoracic echo takes about 30–45 minutes. A transesophageal echo (TEE) takes a little longer because of the sedation and short recovery.

Do I need to prepare for an echocardiogram?

For a standard echo, no preparation is needed. For a TEE, you'll be asked not to eat or drink for several hours beforehand and to arrange a ride home.

What can an echocardiogram detect?

It evaluates the heart's pumping strength, valve function, chamber size, heart-failure changes, the effects of high blood pressure, and many structural conditions — all in real time.

Is an echocardiogram safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Because it uses sound waves and no radiation, echocardiography is safe in pregnancy and is commonly used when needed.

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